Tangent Elementary School Update Page
- City Staff
- Apr 10
- 5 min read
Updated: 2 days ago
Below is a timeline of events relating to the recommendation of closing Tangent Elementary during the Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) District, Long-Range Facility Advisory Committee (LRFAC) meeting on April 7, 2026, and the City of Tangent (City )'s course of action. The most recent update is at the top with prior updates below. All the information is factual to the best of everyone's knowledge.
We do have a Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) section at the bottom.
May 19, 2026
On May 18, the GAP School Board met and, before their regular meeting, held a work session on the LRFAC. The LRFAC committee is working to consolidate elementary schools and identify savings, as GAPS is experiencing budgetary issues and low enrollment. The next steps for the LRFAC are to meet on September 1, 15, and, if needed, on October 6. The LRFAC recommendations will be presented to the GAPS School Board at its regular meeting on October 19. The GAPS School Board will hold a vote to approve the plan on November 16.
The City of Tangent presented the council-approved resolution opposing the closure of the school in Tangent to the GAPS School Board. Each GAPS School Board member received an email with the resolution, with three and the four responding.
The City of Tangent is planning a special meeting for residents in late June. The City is holding an internal discussion about options to ensure the school continues to operate. No meeting has had a quorum of the city council, and no final decision has been made. Options will be presented in a special council meeting at the town hall.
Below is the video of the GAPS School Board Work Session.
May 1, 2026
On April 30, 2026, the Tangent City Council met and approved Resolution 26-06 in support of Tangent Elementary School and opposed any plans that would leave the city without a public school within its city limits. Below is the video recording of the Tangent City Council meeting.
The signed resolution has been sent to the GAPS Superintendent and the GAPS School Board.
April 23, 2026
The City of Tangent will hold a special city council meeting on Thursday, April 30, at 7:00 pm to take up a resolution formally opposing any future recommendation or plans to close Tangent Elementary School and leave the city without a public elementary school in the city limits. The meeting will be at Tangent City Hall and stream on the city's Facebook page.
April 20, 2026
The Greater Albany Public Schools (GAPS) School Board met on April 20 for its regular meeting. During the Long-Range Facility Advisory Committee (LRFAC) report, it was shared that following the last LRFAC meeting, the City of Tangent held a meeting that the Superintendent and staff attended. The board was encouraged to hear there is engagement in the process and to encourage participation to avoid “surprises.” The video below is to the part of the meeting during the LRFAC report. The full meeting is available online.
April 14, 2026
The Tangent City Council met on April 13, 2026, at the Tangent Rural Fire District. Superintendent Andy Gardner was in attendance and listened to all public comments submitted at the meeting. All written comments have been forwarded to Gardner and Tangent Elementary Principal Jana Pierce.
April 10, 2026
**UPDATE VENUE CHANGE** The Tangent City Council meeting will be held at the Tangent Rural Fire District Station located at 32053 Birdfoot Dr. The City of Tangent has posted a Facebook event and encourages anyone wishing to attend in person to RSVP for a headcount, as Tangent City Hall has limited capacity. Please click on the link if you plan to attend the April 13 meeting in person at City Hall: https://www.facebook.com/share/1HpSJ1G9Ne/
April 9, 2026
The City of Tangent publicly posted on its website and social media accounts. The city council meeting for Monday, April 13, at 7:00 pm has its agenda re-noticed to include the recommended closure of Tangent Elementary School.
April 7, 2026
The GAPS LRFAC committee met on April 7 and recorded the meeting to publish on YouTube. You may watch the video below or by clicking on the link: https://youtu.be/8JbllUU4Ajg?si=UGoAOgT1YaZHdKGX
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LRFAC Committee and its role?
The Long-Range Facility Planning Committee is composed of community members who share their perspectives and feedback with the superintendent on important topics, including school facility needs, building conditions, and future bond planning. The committee provides recommendations to help guide the district’s work, but the School Board makes final decisions.
How likely is the recommendation to move forward to the GAPS School Board?
Any recommendation from a committee to a board or council carries merit, as it comes from an established committee tasked with the assignment. Leading up to the brainstorming exercise on April 7, the LRFAC indicated that the board was inclined to have the LRFAC make the recommendation and that the board would do the work.
https://youtu.be/8JbllUU4Ajg?si=Zbv-lrM1lHU9OY6Y&t=515
Does the GAPS Budget Committee have input?
The function of the Budget Committee is to approve budget estimates for an educational plan previously determined by the Board. The budget committee will determine levels of spending, but will not determine programs. Link below to the budget committee page and meeting dates.
When does the GAPS School Board meet?
Regular Board Meetings are held monthly on the third Monday of each month (except for months with Holiday conflicts). Meetings will be located at the District Office (718 SW Seventh Avenue) unless listed otherwise. Board Meetings are livestreamed on the GAPS YouTube Page.
Does the GAP School Board take public comments?
Yes, public comment is available at each Regular Board meeting. Public Comment will be at the end of the agenda (unless required prior to action for an agenda item) and limited to 15 minutes.
In Person and Virtual commenters have 3 minutes each to share their public comment.
Written public comments will be read independently by the Board prior to the meeting, but will not be summarized or read during the meeting. Board members may discuss a written public comment in the board meeting. The comments will be available in the updated board packet.
Commenters may offer objective criticism of District operations and programs, but the Board will not hear complaints criticizing specific student groups or individual district staff members.
What role does the city have with GAPS?
The city and GAPS are separate government entities and have jurisdiction over their own decisions. The city may take a formal stance in support of the school and encourage it to remain open. However, it is ultimately the GAPS and the GAPS School Board that have the final decision.